It’s a potent word, and a potent problem that will only get worse as food insecurity grows, due to the large cuts in financial aid programs.
We’re all in a bit of a head-spin now, re-arranging budgets, weighing need against want, wondering what to make of our dwindling retirement account—if we’re lucky enough to have one at all. But despite our own fears for the future, we need to cast at least a glance at those around us who are even more frightened, who have fewer options.
We at the Crier urge you to give what you can, as often as you can, to our local food banks. With enough people donating a few cans, a few boxes, or a few dollars every week or even every month, we can make a big difference. Some of the foods most requested include cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, pasta and pasta sauce, canned veggies (corn, green beans, peas, carrots), and soups. Volunteering your time can make a difference, too, for you and for those you serve.
Here, in no particular order, are some places that would welcome whatever you have to give, as well as provide food if you, or someone you know, is in need:
- Resource Connection/Food Pantry, Sterling Community Center, 2283 Main Street, Stratford, 203-378-2606, Open: Tues: 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. & Wed. 1:00 P.M.-6 P.M. Emergency food assistance available
- South End Community Center, 19 Bates Street, Stratford, 203-377-0689
- Fhecs Food Pantry, 1192 Stratford Ave., Stratford, 203-274-1088. By appointment.
- Mobile Food Pantry (a partnership between the Stratford Health Dept. and the CT Food Bank), call 203-385-4090; click here for CTFoodbank schedule
- nOURish BRIDGEPORT, 2200 North Avenue, Bridgeport, 203-335-3107. Pantry open Wednesdays, 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Perishable and non-perishable foods, plus fresh produce from their hydroponic farm. Baby Center providing diapers, infant formula, baby food and wipes. Feel the Warmth hot meals with fresh produce from the hydroponic farm, served Thursdays at 5:00 P.M. at the Harrison Apartments, 651 State Street, Bridgeport.
- St. James Food Pantry, 2110 Main St., Stratford, 203-375-5887 (Open Wed., 10:00 A.M. – 12 P.M.)
- First Baptist Church of Stratford, Agape Food Pantry,105 Hamilton Ave., Stratford, CT 06615203-377-1441, Open: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10 A.M.-12noon Serves Fairfield County – Stratford. Emergency assistance available.
- First Haitian Evangelical Food Pantry, 1192 Stratford Ave, Stratford, 203-274-1088, Open: Friday, 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. (walk-in), Sat. 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. (by appointment) Summer Hours: July 6th – August 31st Friday only – 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
- South End Community Food Pantry19 Bates Street, Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 377-0689, Open: Wed, 9:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. Bring Photo ID
